Perth Glory's new head coach identified several facets of his side's performance he perceived as contributing factors to the 6-1 defeat - including selecting "underdone" players for the season opener.
The new-look Phoenix were in control after Kosta Barbarouses' opening goal but Western United surged back into the contest to claim a point on the road.
Polish striker Patryk Klimala's second half header proved to be the difference as 10-man Sydney FC sealed an impressive win over Wanderers in the derby
After nearly 18 long years, Auckland has a professional football club once again - and if the Black Knights' debut was anything to go by, the A-Leagues' newest club is set to add something special to the competition.
Isuzu UTE A-League newcomers Auckland FC are set to play in front of a sold-out Go Media Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the club's first-ever competitive fixture.
Two-time reigning Isuzu UTE A-League champions Central Coast Mariners thrust a talented 18-year-old goalkeeper into the line-up for Friday night's opener.